LURGAN, Northern Ireland (Interstat) — Glenavon seeks to avenge a recent defeat when it hosts rival Ballymena United in a Northern Irish Premiership match on Saturday.

The visitors enter with momentum, having handed Glenavon a 2-0 loss when the teams last met on Aug. 9. Ballymena is also coming off a 2-2 draw with league power Crusaders last Saturday.

Glenavon’s form has been inconsistent. After a 3-1 victory over Glentoran on Nov. 8, the club has suffered consecutive losses, including a 1-2 defeat at Larne last Friday.

Ballymena’s season has been marked by streaks, mixing promising results like a 3-2 win at Bangor with difficult stretches. Glenavon will look to capitalize on its home pitch at Mourneview Park to reverse its fortunes.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Glenavon is projected to edge Ballymena United with a 2-1 scoreline.

The match is the first of a home-and-home series between the clubs, with the return fixture scheduled for Jan. 3 at Ballymena’s Showgrounds.